Philadelphia Research and Policy

Maria Barrales is the director of revenue accounting, operating grants, and fixed assets for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). She began her career at SEPTA in 2012 and has worked in various accounting and finance roles. Before joining SEPTA, Barrales worked in the pharmaceutical marketing and construction industries. Barrales brings extensive experience in managing financial operations and ensuring transparency and compliance within the public sector. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Saint Joseph’s University.

Emma Baylin has served as the director of workforce development at the city of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce since October 2022. In this role, she collaborates with employers, training providers, and workforce practitioners to create a more coordinated, equitable, and effective workforce system. Previously, Baylin provided employment and career pathway services to refugees and immigrants at the Nationalities Service Center, where she also taught English as a second language. In addition, Baylin has experience working with U.S. State Department-sponsored educational exchange programs at the Vermont Council on World Affairs and organizing itineraries for Eisenhower Fellowship recipients. Baylin holds a bachelor’s degree in global studies from the University of Vermont.

Jalen Belgrave is the program manager at PhillyBOLT (Build Our Lives Together), an organization focused on grassroots leadership development, where he oversees the summer and academic year youth programs and supports the BOLT School for Grassroots Leadership. Belgrave also serves as a data intern for the performance management team at the city of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families, monitoring outcomes research for programs taking place outside school hours. His expertise lies in social policy, data analysis, and community leadership. Belgrave is on the board of Ordinarie Heroes, a nonprofit that addresses educational and health disparities in marginalized communities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from Elizabethtown College and a master’s degree in social policy from the University of Pennsylvania.

Tanisha Bezue serves as program director for the Committee of Seventy’s voter engagement and public education initiatives in Pennsylvania. A Teach for America alumna, she has spent over a decade teaching middle school social studies and empowering students to engage in the democratic process. Dedicated to encouraging active citizenship and improving civic participation in marginalized communities, Bezue has also served as a judge of elections since 2020. Bezue holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in urban education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Will Budreau is a designer focused on improving the human experience of government services. Specializing in call centers and technology adoption and proficiency, Budreau works to bridge the gap between users, technologists, and other stakeholders—using design to create digital products that prioritize both user experience and business goals. His work aims to create more accessible and effective services for people interacting with government programs, and his design expertise is grounded in the belief that a well-designed public service can significantly improve people’s lives. Budreau studied symbolic systems and human-computer interaction at Stanford University.

Gizela Burnside is the senior manager of adult workforce systems at Philadelphia Works, where she enhances service delivery and operational efficiency. Burnside has over 20 years of experience in workforce development and has worked as a career services director at Eckerd Connects and held legislative positions in the Pennsylvania Senate. She is dedicated to empowering individuals through equitable workforce initiatives and advocating for policies that drive economic mobility. Burnside is a certified workforce development professional and holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice, with a minor in Spanish, from Chestnut Hill College.

Elizabeth Cain is the research and evaluation practice lead at the city of Philadelphia’s Service Design Studio. Cain previously worked as an evaluation consultant with TCC Group, managing projects focused on early childhood advocacy, community schools, and capacity building. In a previous role at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Cain conducted external evaluations of educator learning and development programs, including racial equity efforts in urban school districts. Cain is committed to using evidence-based research to improve service delivery and ensure accessibility. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in evaluation studies from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Rachael Choplick is a senior associate and registered lobbyist at Bellevue Strategies, where she represents clients engaging with the city of Philadelphia and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Her client portfolio spans industries such as the arts, culture, entertainment, and technology. Choplick is passionate about advocating for her clients and contributing to the arts and cultural landscape in Pennsylvania. She taught music before transitioning to a career in government relations and serves on the board of directors of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund and the Pennsylvania Youth Chorale. Choplick holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Temple University.

Emily Clark is the manager of investor relations for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. As a fundraiser, she refines campaigns and processes to strengthen organizations’ existing networks and attract new supporters. She is passionate about fostering public-private partnerships to drive regional growth and help make Philadelphia a better place to live. Before joining the Chamber, Clark held roles at Penn Medicine; Bluecadet, a Philadelphia-based design studio; the Morris Arboretum & Gardens; and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Currently, she is an ImpactED fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, where she collaborates with mission-driven organizations to enhance their program delivery through data-driven strategies. Clark holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Reed College and is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government.

Nicola Coakley is the research and policy manager for the city of Philadelphia’s Managing Director’s Office, where she supports initiatives such as the Zero Fare program, a pilot that provides subsidized transit passes to residents living in poverty. Coakley has a background in public policy research and has worked for the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office and the consulting firm Econsult Solutions. She is dedicated to using data and evidence-based research to drive social change and improve public services for Philadelphia residents. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Lafayette College and is pursuing a master’s in public policy at Temple University.

Sydney Edelson is the program coordinator in the Office of School and Community Engagement at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing. Certified in trauma-informed care and mental health first aid, she has extensive experience in community behavioral health and has worked as a clinical and community-based care manager for people with substance use disorders. Edelson is passionate about collective healing, justice reform, and ending stigma surrounding mental health and substance use. She volunteers with Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lafayette College and is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice.

Waynetta Faust is the assistant director of human resources at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where she leads initiatives to enhance employee engagement and optimize HR operations. Dedicated to advancing equity and innovation in the workplace, Faust focuses on using data-driven solutions to improve HR processes and align workforce strategies with organizational goals. A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Faust is passionate about community service and empowering others through professional development opportunities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science from Rosemont College and a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and management from La Salle University.

Ruby Glenn is the operations manager for Philadelphia’s Zero Fare program, which provides subsidized transit passes to residents in need. Glenn has built a career focused on advocacy and community service and has mentored youth, fought for tenants’ rights, and worked on strategic partnerships for social change. Glenn also serves on the board of West Oak Lane Charter School and believes in the power of community to drive lasting transformation. Glenn holds a bachelor’s degree in arts administration from Howard University.

Alon Gur, an attorney licensed in Pennsylvania and a public servant, works as a legislative aide in City Councilmember Kendra Brooks’ office. Before joining Brooks’ office, he worked on several political campaigns, including Seth Anderson-Oberman’s City Council run. Gur specializes in municipal law and policy, bringing legal expertise to his work on equitable governance. A proud father and resident of Philadelphia’s Mount Airy neighborhood, he combines his professional and personal life passions to ensure that his work serves community needs. Gur is committed to advancing justice, supporting legislative initiatives, and driving positive change in Philadelphia. He holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and government and Near Eastern languages and civilizations from the University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School.

Dinah Hayward is the director of membership and engagement at the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. With a background in economic development, she works to support Black-owned businesses and promote regional economic growth. Previously, Hayward managed a 500-member portfolio at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, driving revenue growth and member retention. She also advocated for public safety initiatives. Hayward is committed to service, fundraising, and creating equitable business opportunities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications, with a minor in African-American studies, from Millersville University and a fundraising certificate from Temple University.

Britney Herring is a program director at Springboard Collaborative, a nonprofit focused on urban education and fostering inclusive spaces that enhance student literacy and social-emotional development. In a previous role, she served as a program assistant on various educational initiatives at Lincoln University. Herring is passionate about historically Black colleges and universities and actively promotes their role in academic success. She is dedicated to reshaping education through community engagement and evidence-based strategies and has taught middle school in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, reading, dancing, and traveling. Herring holds a bachelor’s degree in history from La Salle University. 

Kathleen “Katie” Lane is the associate director of advocacy and policy at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Lane leads advocacy efforts for state and local jurisdictions, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. She joined CHOP in 2020 as the Reach Out and Read program’s policy manager and has a strong background in public health advocacy. Previously, she worked as a senior business analyst at Truven Health Analytics, supporting federal health projects during President Barack Obama’s administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public health and Spanish from Franklin & Marshall College and a Master of Public Health from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Catie Laxner is the grants manager at the University City Science Center, a nonprofit that supports entrepreneurial activity, health care innovation, and economic growth, where she specializes in securing funding for innovative projects. Laxner has also worked with advocacy organizations such as the South Carolina Service Commission and the Women’s Foreign Policy Group. Previously, she taught middle school social studies in South Carolina. With expertise in federal grants, nonprofit management, and education, she ensures that organizations receive the necessary resources to drive meaningful change through strategic funding and program development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies from the College of Charleston and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the University of Pennsylvania.

Christopher Lewis is the director for noncredit and career and technical education recruitment at the Community College of Philadelphia. Lewis has over 20 years of experience in student development, academic advising, and college admissions. In his current role, he manages workforce training initiatives and oversees a $250,000 scholarship budget. Passionate about equity and innovation in education, Lewis supports student success through strategic planning, community engagement, and enrollment management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Millersville University and a master’s in school counseling from Wilmington University.

Troy Mandy is the director of real estate services at the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp. An experienced economic development professional, he has led industrial and commercial real estate redevelopment projects in Philadelphia and focuses on improving equitable access to opportunities and economic mobility for city residents. Mandy is also working on an industrial land strategy to support the city’s long-term economic goals. His passion for development is matched by his deep commitment to enhancing the lives of people in Philadelphia’s communities. Mandy holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and real estate from Temple University. 

Kristen Molloy is the corporate director of government and community relations for the University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine). In this position, Molloy leads Penn Medicine’s government and community engagement efforts, focusing on public policy in Washington. Before joining Penn Medicine, she spent 10 years on Capitol Hill, serving as senior health policy adviser to U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia and health policy adviser to U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell Jr. of New Jersey. Molloy brings deep experience in health policy and public affairs, working to influence legislative outcomes for the health care sector. She holds a bachelor’s degree in American studies and history from Northwestern University.

Maggie Nemetz is an economic development planner at the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), focusing on community and economic development throughout Greater Philadelphia. Her recent work emphasizes digital equity and workforce conditions, aiming to bridge the gap in access to technology. Before joining DVRPC, Nemetz promoted sustainability and food access in the Texas Hill Country and led public space initiatives. She is committed to addressing community challenges through innovative planning and collaborative efforts. Nemetz holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Tufts University and a master’s degree in community and regional planning from the University of Texas at Austin.

Mónica Parrilla is the economic development corridor manager at Esperanza, a faith-based nonprofit focused on strengthening Philadelphia’s Hispanic communities. In this role, Parrilla fosters economic growth in North Philadelphia’s Fifth Street business corridor. She also serves as board president of The Lighthouse Inc., a nonprofit that serves the Kensington and North Philadelphia communities, and is a policy advisory board member for the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. A passionate community advocate, Parrilla works to empower Hispanic business owners and create sustainable opportunities for growth in Philadelphia. She is a member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc., where she champions the empowerment of Latina women. Parrilla has two degrees from Temple University: an undergraduate degree in accounting and international business and a master’s degree in public policy.

Logan Peterson is a senior project manager for the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of the Superintendent, where he supports policymaking and facilities planning. He previously served in the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Education and the Office of Children and Families. With a background in education policy, Peterson has worked with the Philadelphia Board of Education to enhance local educational systems and is passionate about driving positive educational outcomes throughout the city. His work reflects a deep commitment to creating better opportunities for Philadelphia’s youth through strategic policymaking and community engagement. A proud resident of East Passyunk with his partner and their dog, Peterson enjoys exploring Philadelphia’s biking trails, vibrant restaurants, and bars. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and urban studies from Temple University.

Shauna Reichman Lemieux is special assistant to the chief of staff for Philadelphia City Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke. In this role, Reichman Lemieux coordinates the councilmember’s schedule and office activities, supports community engagement efforts, and manages logistics for meetings, events, and special projects. Their work is rooted in creating operational efficiency and strengthening relationships between City Council and local organizations to improve community outcomes. Reichman Lemieux enjoys crocheting, attending concerts, and spending time with their three cats and tortoise. Reichman Lemieux holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Temple University.

Jonathan Reiter is the associate vice president of business affairs and administration at Temple University. A certified public accountant, Reiter manages the finances of various divisions of the university, including real estate, dining, and the bookstore. He has consulted for nonprofit organizations and previously worked at Grant Thornton, an international accounting and advisory firm. Active in nonprofit boards, including Volunteers of America, Reiter specializes in business operations, accounting, and nonprofit leadership. Reiter holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a Master of Business Administration, and a doctorate in education, all from Temple University.

Matthew Swaback is the senior manager of government affairs at Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, where he advocates for federal, state, and local policy initiatives that enhance health care, research, and education. Since 2015, Swaback has advanced Jefferson’s priorities through economic impact analyses and federal appropriations efforts. He also serves as chair of the government relations steering committee for the Association of American Cancer Institutes. Swaback and his wife live in Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood. He holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Scranton. 

Brionna G. Wakefield is a staff attorney for Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson. Wakefield previously worked in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, prosecuting juvenile cases and conducting felony hearings. As a legislative expert, she specializes in reviewing and drafting legislation. Driven by a passion for policy reform, she works to ensure equitable policymaking for Philadelphia residents. Wakefield is a mentor for aspiring legal professionals and participates in community initiatives. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Albright College and a Juris Doctor from Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law.